The Big Chill (1983) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error A group of seven former college friends gather for a weekend reunion at a South Carolina winter house after the funeral of one of their friends. Director: From $2.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC a list of 27 titles created 19 Feb 2012 a list of 26 titles created 28 Aug 2012 a list of 25 titles created 23 Jul 2014 a list of 36 titles created 13 Nov 2015 a list of 25 titles created 13 Dec 2015 Title: The Big Chill (1983) 7.2/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 5 nominations.

See more awards » Videos An emotionally distant writer of travel guides must carry on with his life after his son is killed and his marriage crumbles. Director: Lawrence Kasdan In the midst of a searing Florida heat wave, a woman convinces her lover, a small-town lawyer, to murder her rich husband. Director: Lawrence Kasdan Grand Canyon revolved around six residents from different backgrounds whose lives intertwine in modern-day Los Angeles. At the center of the film is the unlikely friendship of two men from ... See full summary » Director: Lawrence Kasdan Take two rival TV reporters: one handsome, one talented, both male. Add one producer, female. Mix well and watch the sparks fly. Director: James L. Brooks Edit Storyline A seminal Thirty-Something movie in which a group of old college friends who are now all grown up and hardened by the big wide world come together for the funeral of Alex, a barely glimpsed corpse, who was at one time the brightest and the best of them, and yet who never managed to achieve half as much as any of the others. The friends use the occasion to reacquaint themselves with each other and to speculate as to what happened to their idealism which had been abundant when they were younger.

Written by Mark Thompson <mrt@oasis.icl.co.uk> In a cold world, you need your friends to keep you warm! See more » Genres: 30 September 1983 (USA) See more » Also Known As: $56,968 (USA) (6 November 1998) Gross: Did You Know? Trivia Included among the "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die", edited by Steven Schneider . See more » Goofs The fog completely disappears after Harold's brief close-up shot when he and Nick are jogging through town. See more » Quotes Nick : [in a high-pitched voice] Hey. everyone, it's J.T. Lancer! Let's all go watch this incredible show! [everyone runs into the living room] Karen : Come on, Sam. Ok, I've seen it at last. Now what? 31 October 2001 | by (nts78rpm@hotmail.com) (Florida) – See all my reviews When I said I had never seen this film, people gasped and told me they couldn't belive it. They said it was a ground-breaking film, a cinematic landmark etc etc.

Worth seeing for the soundtrack alone. So I rented it and watched it. What I saw was a group of unpleasant, self-obsessed, angst-ridden yuppies whom I liked not at all and cared about even less. We get a little light-relief once or twice with the Tom Beringer character but apart from that we are expected to spend a weekend with these people as they mull over the fact that one of the college friends has killed himself. A little sex thrown in for variety and Glenn Close chooses to have her hissy-fit in the shower so while we watch her acting we can also see her breasts. The piece ends suddenly, with little changed, nothing concluded and the audience thinking "So what?" We never find out why Alex killed himself but my theory is he realized that these people were the best he could do for friends so he threw in the towel. As for the soundtrack, a selection of fifteen or so different numbers of roughly the same period, well K-Tel have been doing that sort of thing for years. No need to put yourself through a movie like this to hear it. 30 of 53 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes 4Moviesfor … the diverse directing of Lawrence Kasdan I saw Lawrence Kasdan being interviewed on Travis Smiley’s PBS television show recently and thought a quartet of his films might make a good contribution to this blog. When I went to choose the movies however I had some difficulty. Equally well known, and perhaps more prolific, as a screenwriter, selecting just four from the twelve movies Kasdan has directed took some time. Firstly you notice he has collaborated a great deal with both Kevins – Costner and Kline (both of whom should get a blog entry of their own here and soon) and also frequently casts Jeff Fahey, William, Hurt, Jeff Goldblum and a host of others. Secondly, the diversity of his subject matter shines out. So here’s my favourite four: The Big Chill (1983) A group of former college friends reunite at the funeral after the unexpected of one of their group, and over a weekend in a big house, catch up and reminisce. The cast is stellar: Tom Berenger, Glen Close, Jeff Goldblum, Meg Tilly and Kevin Kline to name just a few.

A quiet thoughtful film, that is never without humour and rightly nominated for three Oscars. (Kevin Costner made his screen debut here, but other than appearing as the beloved corpse, got left on the cutting room floor.) Silverado (1985) My father’s favourite western, and just down right fun! Jaded cowboy Paden (Kevin Kline) robbed and left for dead in the desert, is rescued by Emmet (Scott Glenn) who’s on his way to meet his younger brother Jake (Kevin Costner) in Silverado. Paden tags along, but upon arrival his past catches up with him, and sets him on the road to a final showdown with old acquaintance Cobb. John Cleese is wonderful as a local sheriff and Jeff Fahey’s Tyree make this one a joy. Also watch for a great supporting cast including Linda Hunt, Jeff Goldblum and Danny Glover. The Accidental Tourist (1988) Based on the novel of the same name; Leary, a writer (William Hurt) travels the world, detailing locales in his guides. Living in a fog, his wife (Kathleen Turner) leaves him, neither of them is dealing well with the death of their young son.

Leary unexpectedly finds himself in the company of a kooky young woman (Geena Davis) who awakens him to life that is passing him by. Just as Leary finds his feet again, he is forced to choose between his past and a future. The supporting cast is superb (Bill Pullman, David Odgen Stiers, Ed Begley, Jr., Amy Wright) and includes a corgi who steals every scene he appears in. Grand Canyon (1991) A subtle endearing ensemble film that revolves around the lives of six residents of Los Angeles with under-themes of class and race. The story pivots on an incident when the car of lawyer Mac (Kevin Kline) breaks down in a rough neighbourhood, and he is watched over by local man Simon (Danny Glover). The storylines of all six characters finally merge when they all visit the Grand Canyon. Steve Martin, Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodward and Mary Louise Parker round out the impressive cast. Posted by ... the Unmistakable Ward Bond Burly, growly, sometimes softy, Ward Bond was born in Nebraska in 1903.

While attending the University of Southern California, he worked as an extra in the movies meeting his soon-to-be-life-long friend John Wayne. After getting his first speaking role with director John Ford in 1929, Bond appeared in literally hundreds of movies, usually in supporting roles - most notably in The Maltese Falcon (1941), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and The Searchers (1956). He became a founding member of the famous ‘Ford-Wayne’ acting ensemble, but ironically, the role which made him famous came on television, in 1950s series Wagon Train. Bond had a steady career until his death at age 57, and is reputed to have appeared in more films on the AFI’s Top 100 Movies list than any other actor. Here are four films that may show why. 3 Godfathers (1948, dir: John Ford) A small film by Ford’s standards, filled with Wayne and Ford’s gang of actors.

After robbing a small-town bank and going out into the desert to avoid the Marshall (Ward Bond) and his posse, three outlaws (John Wayne, Pedro Armendariz, John Carey Jr.) find an abandoned mother (Mildred Natwick) dying in a wrecked wagon, newborn in her arms. The ‘godfathers’ promise to take on the baby, despite being on the lam from the law. Fort Apache (1948, dir: John Ford) Perhaps my favourite Ward Bond role, here he plays Sgt. Mjr. Michael O’Rourke with dignity and panache. O’Rourke and his Captain Kirby York (John Wayne) have to content with the arrival of an unbending new commander Owen Thursday (Henry Fonda) who is determined to impose ‘west point’ values on a wild frontier post. Also notable is Shirley Temple, admirably playing one of her first adult roles, as Thursday’s equally self-willed daughter. The Quiet Man (1952, dir: John Ford) Ford’s tribute to the ‘the olde country’, Bond underplays the gentle local priest, Father Lonergan, administering (some might say 'refereeing') a village full of trying characters.

American Boxer Sean Thornton (John Wayne) retires and returns to his family's Irish village but, unused to its confusing Irish traditions, soon falls foul of just about everyone, especially his new wife (Maureen O’Hara) and her stubborn brute of a brother Wil Danahar (Victor McLaglen). The Wings of Eagles (1957, dir: John Ford) Based on the life of Naval Officer-turned-Screenwriter Frank ‘Spig’ Wead, Bond supports John Wayne in the title role, with Maureen O’Hara as Spig’s long suffering wife, the third time the three of them appeared a movie together. Bond appears late in the movie, playing a hollywood director who gives Spig his first break, showing an uncanny resemblance to his old friend John Ford, even Bond’s office is strewn with props loaned by Ford himself. Posted by ... the roles of Colin Firth Best known perhaps for his performance as Mr.

Darcy in the British TV series of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (1995), Colin Firth finally won the 2010 Best Actor Oscar (as well as Golden Globes and the SAG award) for his role as stuttering suffering man-who-rather-not-be King, George IV in 2010’s best picture winner, The King’s Speech. His ability to bring deep humanity to such cardboard characters as Austen’s Darcy is perhaps his greatest gift. I particularly admire his uncanny ability to remain straight-faced, when all the character’s emotions, thoughts and angst are slipping from Firth’s expressive eyes. (He often brings to mind the emoting of silent-screen icons like Keaton and Chaplin.) His career has built gradually, including ensemble roles in such great films as Love Actually and Bridget Jones (1&2), to his striking lead in Tom Ford’s A Single Man (2009). Here are four movies to whet your appetite for his acting. Valmont (1989, Dr: Milos Forman) The first time I noticed Colin Firth was in this European production, based on the Dangerous Liaisons novel.

The film stars Firth, Annette Benning and Meg Tilly in the tragedy of one bitter French widow, one dissipated Count and the ever-increasing ripples of destruction they cause as they contrive a cynical bet to bring down one virtuous woman. You can also watch director Stephen Frears’ better-known Dangerous Liaisons (1998), starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer and compare performances, just for fun. The Importance of being Earnest (2002, Dir: Oliver Parker) Firth takes on the sparking genuis of Oscar Wilde, and holds his own with crème of British actors (Anna Massey, Judy Dench Edward Fox, Tom Wikinson) as well as playing Jack to the ever scene-strealing Rupert Everett, as his cousin Algy. Two gentlemen living in 1890's England assume the same pseudonym (Ernest), until they fall in love with two women (Reese Witherspoon, Frances O’Connor) using that same name, leading to a witty comedy of ever-increasing mistaken identities. A Single Man (2009, Dir: Tom Ford) In L.A.

in 1962, a English College Professor George is still overcome with grief a year after the death of his partner Jim in a car accident. Given the repression of the times, the only outlet for his pain is old friend, Charley (Julianne Moore) who has been in (unrequited) love with him for years. Contemplating suicide, what George believes to be his last day is taken up by encounters with his faithful housekeeper, Charley, and one of his students, Kenny (Nicholas Hoult), who is concerned about his teacher’s recent subdued behaviour. Mamma Mia! (2008, Dir: Phyllida Lloyd) Contriving to string together Abba’s hits into some form of narrative was not an inspired idea, but this movie is just plain fun! Donna (Meryl Streep), the mother of a bride-to-be is dismayed when three former boyfriends turn up for the wedding, any of whom may be her daughter’s father. Harry (Colin Firth), Sam (Pierce Bronson) and Bill (Stellan Skarsgard) on a Greek island together is three fathers too many!

All the cast sing and dance their way through the film, and the ending credits a la Abba spandex suits is well worth the wait. (I know this movie had mixed reviews, mostly due to the vocal performances of actors who clearly were not trained singers, but I believe that just made their performances genuine.) Posted by … my favourite Director, Sir David Lean Although I greatly admire the work of such visual directors John Boorman and Ridley Scott, and more recently discovered the stunning films of Akira Kurosawa (see earlier post), my favourite director remains, by far, Sir David Lean. Lean began his career as an film editor in Britain in the 30s and 40s, which is perhaps where he developed such a keen visual eye. In 1942 he began a collaboration with Noel Coward; the first four films he directed were derived from Coward’s work (In which We Serve, This Happy Breed, Blithe Spirit, Brief Encounter) and the next two superb, beloved adaptations of Dickens (Great Expectations, Oliver Twist). Amazingly, Lean directed only 16 movies in his career (1942-1985), but each of them is exquisite.

Like Kurosawa (another gifted but stern task-master) Lean suffered later in his career, as studios became less willing to invest in large-scale – hence costly - productions. Many actors owe career-making roles to Lean, including Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif, Sir John Mills and perhaps notably, Sir Alec Guinness, with whom Lean maintained a life-long, if cranky, relationship. Lean was nominated and won countless awards for such the large-scale epics as Lawrence of Arabia, Dr. Zhivago, Ryan’s Daughter and A Passage to India, but below are my four favourites. This Happy Breed (1944) Based on Noel Coward’s play, the story deals with the working class English Gibbons family as they move into a new house just after WW1, and the events of their lives – both political and familial. Frank (Robert Newton), a Great War veteran, and Ethel (Celia Johnson) have three children. Sam (John Blythe) and Vi (Eileen Erskine), have an encounter with Socialism. Queenie (Kay Walsh), the youngest, is loved by boy-next-door Sailor Billy (John Mills) but she seeks a more glamorous life and eventually runs away from home.

Events unfold until finally Frank and Ethel find themselves empty-nesters, and decide to sell the house, poignantly on the eve of WW2. Great Expectations (1946) Young Pip (John Mills) is apprenticed as a blacksmith to his sister’s gentle-giant husband, Joe (Bernard Miles). But Pip yearns to be a gentleman after becoming a paid companion to the reclusive Miss Haversham (Valerie Hobson), and her young ward, Estelle (Jeans Simmons). When lawyer Jaggers (Francis L. Sullivan) arrives to say that Pip has been given a legacy and now has ‘great expectations’, he is shipped off to a new life in London and given into the care of Herbert Pocket (Alec Guinness) who is to teach him the 'genteel' way of living. Yet nothing is as simple is as it seems, and the film, ever faithful to Dicken’s beloved novel, leads Pip through disappointments and a dangerous adventure with his mysterious benefactor.

Hobson’s Choice (1954) Successful 19th century Boozy English Bootmaker, Henry Horatio Hobson (Charles Laughton at his best) ruthlessly rules the roost, his shop and bullies his daughters. But the eldest Maggie (Brenda de Banzie) has her own plans of rebellion. She pursues her father’s apprentice, the reluctant Willy Mossop (John Mills) and together they gradually knock her father off his perch and helps her sisters escape his tyranny. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) This is the film I believe the best ever made, for a multitude of reasons. It remains #1 on my list as no other film has its sheer impact, visual beauty, and balance of subject matter. Based on the WW1 experiences of the short-lived T.E. Lawrence (played by Peter O’Toole), it covers the unlikely meteoric military career of a man most had written-off. As an Oxford-trained archeologist and historian, Lawrence was always been captivated by the desert and the Arabs, and this becomes his downfall as he is torn apart by conflicting loyalties.

Superb performances from the likes of Jack Hawkins, Omar Sharif, Alec Guinness and (my beloved) Claude Rains, in one of his last roles. See it – but ensure you have the longer director’s cut restored version – and judge for yourselves. Posted by ... the films of Billy Wilder Born in 1906 in what was the Austro-Hungarian empire (now Poland), Billy Wilder was already a well-known writer/director in Europe when he escaped the Nazis and hit Hollywood in the mid-1930s. Equally renowned as both a screenwriter and director, Wilder wittingly handled such diverse genres as the gritty Double Indemnity to the sublimely silly Some like it Hot, from the eerie Sunset Boulevard to the panic of a memory-loss alcoholic in The Lost Weekend. Billy officially retired in 1981 but remained active in film circles as a teacher and critic, passing away in 2002. Here are four of his varied films, all of which he both wrote and directed. Stalag 17 (1953) During WWII, a group of American Airmen are cooped up in Barrack 4 at a prisoner-of-war camp.

They soon become aware that there is a stoolie in their midst, passing on escape plans to the Germans, led by their commandant (menacingly played by director Otto Preminger). Suspicion falls on Sefton (William Holden) who up until now has been their distrusted but grudgingly appreciated fixer, scrounging everything they need on the black market by paling around with the guards. As his countrymen turn on him, Sefton must discover the real culprit, or risk of his life. Holden won the Best Actor Oscar for this role. The Apartment (1960) Jack Lemmon plays C.C. Baxter, a young insurance clerk who begins a rapid rise on the corporate ladder when he lends his apartment first to the big boss Jeff (Fred McMurray) and other high-rollers, so they can have conduct trysts with their mistresses. Things become complicated when one of the ladies, Miss Kublenik (Shirley Maclaine), whom Baxter has a crush on, despairingly tries to commit suicide in the apartment after Jeff leaves her there following their assignation. Won three Oscars for Wilder (Best Picture, Best Writing, Best Director) and another for Lemmon.

Witness for the Prosecution (1947) Curmudgeonly barrister Sir Wilfred Robarts (Charles Laughton) returns from an enforced sabbatical, away from his law offices due to ill health. Despite medical advice, and the ever-watchful presence of nurse Miss Plimsoll (Laughton’s wife, Elsa Lanchester), Sir Wilfred agrees to take on a murder case, not when he meets the accused man (Tyrone Power) but his impressive German wife Christine (Marlene Dietrich), who is determined to save her husband no matter what the cost. Nominated for six Oscars. Sabrina (1954) Humphrey Bogart, wonderfully cast against type, plays Linus, busy head of the Larabee family corporation. His playboy younger brother, David (William Holden) will soon marry into the Tyson family, creating both a familial bond and a large merger with that family’s company. But all of Linus’ work is thrown off-kilter with the return of the chauffeur’s daughter, Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn), who has undergone an ugly-duckling/swan transformation on a lengthy study trip to Paris.

For Sabrina has always had a crush on David, and is delighted when he takes notice of her return, putting all of Linus' business plans in jeopardy. Posted by Here are some movies to help you celebrate our Great Day, and to remember where we came from, what we are, and perhaps even where we are going. Black Robe (1991, Dir: Brian Beresford) Set in Quebec in 1634, a priest (Lothaire Bluteau) and a young Frenchman (Aden Young) begin an epic journey to re-establish contact with an unheard-from Jesuit mission deep within the Huron nation. Lead by Captain Champlain (Jean Brousseau) and an Algonquin guide (August Schellenberg) and his family, the pair soon find themselves at the mercy of clashing faiths, tribal hostilities and harsh winter conditions. Screenplay by Irish-Canadian Brian Moore, adapted from his novel of the same name. Passchendaele (2009, Dir: Paul Gross) A tour de force from Gross (reputedly the most-expensive Canadian film made to date); based upon the war experiences of his grandfather.

World War I was a catalyst for Canada to shed its colonial roots and begin to create its own identity. Gross plays Michael Dunne, a shell-shocked disillusioned veteran of the trenches is sent home, only to return recluctantly to combat to recover the naive young brother of Caroline (Sarah Mann), the woman he loves. The fact that Caroline's parents were German immigrants brings a depth of conflict to the narrative. Watch out for Shaw Festival’s Jim Merzon as the jingoistic British recruiting officer Dobson-Hughes. Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006, Dir: Eric Canuel) Great cop-buddy flick with a premise maybe only Canadians will ‘get’. Fate and a cross-province case brings uptight suit-wearing anglophone detective Martin Ward (Colm Feore) into contact with jean-wearing, laid-back laissez faire Francophone detective David Bouchard (Paul Huard). Both are bilingual, but still they can’t speak the same language! Inevitably they clash, a situation not helped when each becomes involved with the other’s family members.

Paddle to the Sea (1966, National Film Board) Far up in the great white North, a young boy carves a man in a canoe, names it ‘Paddle to the Sea’ and leaves it on a frozen stream. As the spring thaw begins, Paddle begins a great journey. The film follows its watery progress through Lake Superior and on to the Sea. A kindergarten staple, those 27 minutes which leave children with a wide-eyed awe of the enormity of our country’s nature beauty. (I know I've never forgotten it.) Did you know? At the National Film Board’s Mediatheque (corner of John & Richmond Sts. Toronto), you can watch any film in their vast and celebrated collection for a just Toonie! See: Posted by ...

the Art of Akira Kurosawa One of the finest Japanese Directors, Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998) came to the notice of the West when his revolutionary Rashomon (1950) won the ‘Golden Lion’ at the Venice Film Festival, but he is perhaps best known for his historical masterpiece Seven Samurai (1954) which was re-made as a Hollywood western, The Magnificent Seven (1960). Kurosawa acknowledged the films of such directors as Capra, Wyler and especially John Ford, influenced his approach, and he, in turn, inspired such diverse directors as Lucas, Ford-Coppola, Peckinpah and Scorsese. Kurosawa’s historical epics included Ran (1983) which was loosely based on Shakespeare’s King Lear, Kagemusha (1980), financed in part by Ford-Coppola and Lucas, and Dersu Uzala (1975) the only film he made outside Japan, at the invitation of Mosfilm of the then-soviet Russia. Below are four of Kurosawa’s lesser known works, two contemporary, two historical.

Like many Hollywood directors, Kurosawa had a ‘family’ of actors he frequently worked with, including Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura and Minoru Chiaki. Throne of Blood (1957) Based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the movie follows the rise to power of a lesser feudal lord in sixteenth century Japan. In the ‘cob-web’ forest two mounted Samurai are haunted by a forest ghost spirit (inspired by the characters from Japanese Noh theatre) and the Spirit prophesizes great things for both Washizu (Toshiro Mifune) and the descendents of Miki (Minoru Chiaki) his loyal companion. When the predictions prove true all too soon, Washizu’s nagging wife (Isuzu Yamada) pushes him down a path of bloodly betrayal. (Kurosawa’s recurring connections to nature is at its best here, much of the film was shot on location in and around Mount Fiji. ) Stray Dog (1949) In post-WWII Tokyo, former soldier turned policeman Murakami (Toshiro Mifune) earns a promotion to detective.

During his first few days in plain-clothes, he loses his gun to a pick-pocket on a bus. Shamed, he attempts to resign, but both his department head and his partner-mentor Sato (Takashi Shimura) tell him to deal with it. Then a series of robberies and a murder occur, all using Murakami’s pistol. An chase to capture the fugitive, through a war-ravaged, heat-racked, world-weary Japan. Drunken Angel (1948) In his first role for Kurosawa, Toshiro Mifune plays Matsunaga, a tubercular member of the Yakuza (gangsters). Sanada (Takashi Shimura) a grumpy doctor who likes his beer, doggedly attempts to get the reluctant gangster to take the cure, after he treats him (none too softly) for a gun-shot wound. Amidst the harsh underworld of the post-war black-market, ministering to patients living around a more than symbolic cesspool, Sanada does his best for the misfortunates in his care, despite the temptations of a new hospital being staffed by a former colleague.

(Mifune, newly released from army service, is suitably emaciated for his role.) The Hidden Fortress (1958) After being heavily defeated in battle and bearly escaping with their lives, General Makabe (Toshiro Mifune) is tasked with getting his tribal Princess Yuki (Misa Uehara) and a hidden stash of gold across enemy territory to the safety of their allies. Travelling incognito, the aristocrats are joined by two meddling peasants Tahei (Minoru Chiaki) and Matakishi (Kamatari Fujiwara) whom they accept as travel companions merely to provide cover. But after the peasants aid an escaped slave-girl (Toshiko Higuchi), the General finds himself burdened with getting all five of them to safety. (George Lucas is on record as saying that this movie inspired the basis of his Star Wars Trilogy.) Posted by .. the wily Charles Coburn Lovable old codger Charles Coburn, born in 1877 in Georgia, began as a stage actor, making his debut on Broadway in 1901.

His first movie role didn’t come along until 1933, after which he maintained a steady career in supporting roles on film, stage and later in television, almost right up until his death in 1961. Mr. Coburn can be enjoyed in the following, in two of which co-starring alongside the great Jean Arthur. The More the Merrier (1943, Dir: George Stevens) With war-time Washington packed with visitors and housing at a premium, Connie Milligan (Jean Arthur) considers it her patriotic duty to rent her apartment’s second bedroom to another woman. Unfortunately, Benjamin Dingle wheedles his way into renting the room, and the next day, rents half of that room to handsome draftee Joe Carter (Joel McCrea). For the sake of propriety, Connie finds herself shielding both of them from the attention of her fiancée, while falling in love with Joe, just as Dingle’s match-making predicts. Coburn won a best supporting actor Academy Award for his role as Dingle. The Devil and Miss Jones (1941, Dir: Sam Wood) When millionaire-tycoon J.P.

Merrick (Coburn) finds the staff of his flagship department store are trying to form a union, he decides to go undercover. Getting a job in the shoe department under the name 'Higgins', Merrick intends to find the agitators and fire them. He is soon befriended by Mary Jones (Jean Arthur), and her boyfriend Joe (Robert Cummings), both of whom are among the ringleaders. 'Higgins' then falls for his co-worker Elizabeth Ellis (Spryng Byington) resulting in a suitor-rivalry with their snide-snobby supervisor Hooper (Edmund Gwynn). As a strike looms, the store employees walk out, marching to the mansion home of their unseen boss Merrick for a showdown. The Lady Eve (1941, Dir: Preston Sturges) Abroad a luxury ocean liner, grifter Jean (Barbara Stanwyck) sincerely falls hard for snobby explorer Charlie (Henry Fonda), but they're abruptly parted when Charlie’s snooping valet Mugsy (William Demarest) discovers she and her father (Charles Coburn) are wanted con-artists.

Intending to seek revenge, Jean shows up in Charlie’s wealthy circle, posing as English aristocrat, Lady Eve. Charlie is happily duped, Mugsy is adamant Eve is Jean, while Charlie’s father, Horace (Eugene Pallette) is eager to have his son to marry into the nobility. In this Our Life (1942, Dir: John Houston/Raoul Walsh) If you want to cause family dysfunction, give your two daughters male names. Based on a Pulitzer-prize winning novel, Coburn plays Uncle William, who is creepily close to his unstable niece Stanley (Bette Davis). Stanley runs off with the husband of her sister Roy (Olivia de Havilland) resulting in mutual misery and his eventual suicide. Stanley returns home, only to cause distress to all those around her. (The movie’s making as was miserable as its themes. Three days after Pearl Harbour, director Huston was called up for active duty, and Raoul Walsh stepped in to finish the production. He and Bette Davis clashed viciously, and her fury is evident in her performance.) Posted by .. the Love of Sport Movies about Sports – do they work?

Not always; most of them fail to capture the spontaneity, grace and passion that fans enjoy. But here are four films that not only reflect the glory of the sports involved, but also the behind-the-scenes, joys, sorrows, sacrifices and political machinations surrounding the athletes in their obsessions to be the Best - Darwin’s Theory of Evolution in motion. Grand Prix (1966, Dir: John Frankenheimer) Formula One Racing has the one true racing pedigree, surviving in one form or another for over half-a-century. This Academy Award winning film centres on four F-1 drivers through a fictionalized version of the 1966 season. Originally shown in 70mm Cinerama and filmed on location at actual races, the ensemble cast reflects the international spirit of this form of racing including: James Garner (U.S.), Brian Bedford (U.K./Canada), Toshiro Mifune (Japan), Yves Montand (France). Look out for cameos from some of the greatest F-1 drivers of the period, such as Graham Hill, Bruce McLaren, Jim Clark and Jack Brabham.

Chariots of Fire (1981, Dir: Hugh Hudson) Winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, this movie has one of the most memorable beginnings ever filmed and a truly unforgetable soundtrack. Based on the true lives of two British runners, Cambridge undergrad Abrahams (Ben Cross) and Scottish Missionary Liddle (Ian Charleston), each facing their own challenges; Abrahams fights a chip on his shoulder from recurring religious and class prejudice, and Liddle ponders whether his passion for running may be keeping him from ‘the Lord’s work’. Both runners earn a place on the 1924 British Olympic Team, competing in Paris, and Abrahams longs for a chance to avenge his defeat by Liddle in earlier race. Fate however may intervene, as Liddle finds his religious principles clash with what others see as his patriotic duty. Rudy (1993, Dir: David Anspaugh) Long before he went on his epic adventure alongside Frodo, Sean Astin took the title role of this college football film. Based on a true story, Rudy Ruettiger comes from a blue-collar family of steel workers, but dreams of playing football for Notre Dame.

Rudy gets accepted to a minor college, leaving home with a heartfelt but disappointing warning from his father (Ned Beatty) that ‘Ruettigers don't belong at college’. When Rudy’s tenacity - and some luck - finally gets him into Notre Dame, he defiantly tries out for the legendary football team, demonstrating just what ‘Fighting Irish’ really means. The Hustler (1961, Dir: Robert Rossen) Paul Newman stars as ‘Fast Eddie’ Felson, a small-time hustling pool shark, emphatically trounced by the great ‘Minnesota Fats’ (Jackie Gleason). Now broke, he encounters the fragile Sarah (Piper Laurie) in the café at the bus terminal. The couple begin a hesitant affair as she nurses him after an attack by thugs. Abandoning both Sarah and his long-time manager, Eddie signs on with a sleazy new agent (George C. Scott in only his third film role). Eddie finally gets another shot at Minnesota Fats, but at just what cost? Giving a truly classy performance, Gleason, T.V.’s premiere funnyman at the time, did all his own pool-playing (Newman needed a ‘technical advisor’ for his trick shots).

Posted by ... the magic of Preston Sturges Preston Sturges made several comedies in the 1940s that were both zany and edgy, perhaps even dark. He started out as a successful playwright, which led to screen-writing and winning an Original Screenplay Academy Award for ‘The Great McGinty’. His brand of off-beat gritty comedy made him a Maverick and his frequent clashes with the studios made him unpopular in Hollywood. Here are four to whet your appetite. The Lady Eve (1941) Abroad a luxury ocean liner, grifter Jean (Barbara Stanwyck) sincerely falls hard for snobby explorer Charlie (Henry Fonda), but they're abruptly parted when Charlie’s snooping valet Mugsy (William Demarest) discovers she and her party are wanted con-artists. Intending to seek revenge, Jean shows up in his wealthy circle, posing as English aristocrat, Lady Eve. Charlie is completely (and happily) duped, Mugsy's adamant Eve is Jean, and Charlie’s father Horace (the marvellous Eugene Pallette, who gets no respect - and no breakfast!) wants his son to marry nobility. Chaos ensues.

Sullivan’s Travels (1941) Joel McCrea plays a spoilt movie director of what he calls ‘fluff’, who decides to go incognito across the country, to research a ‘serious’ film about the suffering poor. Despite his studio bosses trying to stop him, he swaps clothes with a street bum, puts a dime in his pocket and takes off. Along the way he teams up with an out-of-work actress (Veronica Lake). Sullivan, a victim of his own naivety, he gets a lot more than he bargained for. The Palm Beach Story (1942) Geraldine (Claudette Colbert), impatient wife of struggling inventor Tom (Joel McCrea) hatches a plan to escape to Palm Beach and find a millionaire to marry, to get Tom the money he needs to finance his new invention. When Tom finally tracks her down, she's already in the company of millionaire John (Rudy Vallee) so she introduces Tom as her brother Mac. Geraldine then finds herself torn between securing John and keeping ‘Mac’ out of the hands of other women.

Hail the Conquering Hero (1944) Woodrow (Eddie Bracken) comes from a long line of military men, but he’s 4F - medically unsuitable for military duty – a fact he’s hidden from his family. His big-city civilian war work ends and he’s too scared to go back to his home town. In a bar he meets a group of sympathetic Marines, one of whom (William Demarest) fought with his father in WW1. The Marines hatch a plan for him to return home as a uniformed decorated hero – dragging the hapless Woodrow in their wake. Posted by ... Claude Rains Bette Davis maintained throughout her career that Claude Rains was her favourite co-star. Rains was born into an English theatre family, making his stage debut aged 11, and also become a sought-after acting coach, the young Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud amongst his pupils. In 1932, Universal screen-tested Rains and he never looked back.

Best known for character and supporting roles in such classics as 'The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), 'Casablanca' (1944) and David Lean’s epic 'Lawrence of Arabia' (1962), here are some other chances to appreciate Rains’ great talent. Mr. Skeffington (1944, Dr: Vincent Sherman) Of the films Rains and Davis did together, the only one where they shared top billing. Davis plays Fanny, a well-bred vain penniless socialite, who marries Job Skeffington for his money. Job takes her as she is, loving her in spite of her heartless affairs and neglect of their daughter. Only decades later does Fanny realize just what his love and loyalty are really worth. Caesar and Cleopatra (1945, Dr: Gabriel Pascal) Based on George Bernard Shaw’s wordy and witty play, Rains shines as the aging pragmatic Julius Caesar, easily conquering Egypt, but perhaps not entirely taming the young kittenish Cleopatra (Vivien Leigh).

It’s a witty film adaption one of Shaw’s great plays, showcasing some great British actors in support including a young Stewart Granger and (Dame) Flora Robson. Notorious (1947, Dr: Alfred Hitchcock) A tense Ben Hecht screenplay based around a group of Nazis in South America, Rains plays the role of Sebastian with relish. Sebastian suspects his wife Alicia (Ingrid Bergman) of having an affair with American Devlin (Cary Grant), but then discovers that Devlin isn’t her lover but her handler, as she is spying on his German friends for the U.S. So which betrayal is the worse? Here comes Mr. Jordan (1941, Dr: Alexander Hall) Re-made more recently by Warren Beatty as 'Heaven can Wait', Rains plays Mr. Jordan, a supervisor sent down from Heaven when a novice angel messenger plucks a boxer named Joe (Robert Montgomery) out of a plane crash to save his suffering, only to find Joe wasn’t destined to perish. Adventures ensue before Mr. Jordan can get find a suitable ‘body’ to allow Joe to live out the rest of his days.

(Also watch out for wonderful James Gleason as Max.) Posted by ... an Anti-Valentine's Day Party Tired of the sappy unrealistic romance of ‘chic flick’ movies? Forget sighing over not receiving lovey-dovey cards, fattening chocolates or exploitively expensive Roses! Gather your single friends together for an impromptu pyjama party, find a great wine and a strong cheese, and take your pick of these: Letter from an Unknown Women (1948, Director: Max Ophüls) Stefan, a jaded composer (Louis Jourdan) receives a death-bed letter from a Covent hospital. Seemingly from a stranger named Lisa (Joan Fontaine) she writes she has known and loved him three times over, each time to her detriment. Stefan, a notorious womanizer, remembers nothing of her, but the letter reveals all.

Dangerous Liaisons (1988, Dr: Stephen Frears) or Valmont (1989, Dr: Milos Forman) Opt for either the American (Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer) or European (Colin Firth, Annette Benning, Meg Tilly) version - same story, different ensemble. Simply take one bitter French widow and one dissipated Count then watch the ever-increasing ripples of destruction created when they contrive a cynical bet to bring down one virtuous woman. The Good Earth (1937, Dr: Sidney Franklin) Adapted from Pearl Buck’s beloved novel of China, this is a tale of Wang-Lung, an unassuming dirt-poor farmer (Paul Muni) whose luck changes when he is given O-lan (Luise Rainer), an unwanted house slave, as a bride. Despite neglect, bad harvests and near starvation, she remains a dutiful wife even when her loyalty is sorely tested, as her husband’s sudden good fortune goes to his head.

Immortal Beloved (1994, Dr: Bernard Rose) Composer Beethoven (Gary Oldman) dies, leaving friend and executor of his will Anton (Jeroen Crabbe) to discover the ‘immortal beloved’ to whom Lugwig has left a bequest. With only one love letter to go on, the movie follows Anton as he searches for Beethoven’s loves and muses, including the enigmatic Anna Marie (Isabella Rossellini). Posted by Joni Webb I’m back! After a few days without internet or TV (pure torture) we finally got that fixed only to have computer issues. I hate technology!! The gates to Tidalholm Mansion, Beaufort, South Carolina. This Reader’s Kitchen was inspired by a movie. I bet you are thinking Something’s Gotta Give, right? Most every kitchen inspired by a movie IS from that movie. But this reader surprised me. Her new kitchen was inspired by the white kitchen from the 1983 movie The Big Chill. What? I could barely remember that movie, much less its kitchen. Tidalholm Mansion in Beaufort, South Carolina. The private residence, said to be over 7,000 sq. ft.

was used in two movies - The Big Chill and The Great Santini. The Big Chill was an ensemble movie – with major stars from the 80s: Kevin Kline, Jeff Goldblum, JoBeth Williams, Tom Berenger, Meg Tilly, Mary Kay Place, William Hurt and Glenn Close. Only Close is still a big star today. The others seem lost to that era. The movie was a huge hit – but watching it today, it seems dated. It is filled with scenes of pot smoking and cigarette smoking – everywhere – in offices and even at the dinner table. Boy, times have changed, when was the last time you saw someone smoking inside a house, much less while sitting down to meal???? The movie was filmed in Beaufort, South Carolina, mostly in a beautiful, white antebellum mansion that was built in 1853 by Edgar Fripp. Named Tidalholm, the Italianate styled house built as a summer house, is located on a large lot filled with centuries old moss draped oak trees. The history of Tidalholm Mansion would make a good movie itself.

Destruction came to Beaufort during the Civil War when Union naval ships and 12,000 Union soldiers arrived to the area. Land owners fled, abandoning their homes, leaving their slaves to fend for themselves. Starving, the slaves broke into the cellars of the area’s mansions – including Tidalhom – desperately looking for food. When no food was found, the slaves, along with the Union soldiers, stripped houses bare, hoping to sell the goods. By 1862, Tidalhom was practically emptied – its mantels were cracked, mahogany woodwork was hacked to pieces and the house was said to have an odor of spilled wine and rotten eggs. For a while, the religious sect Gideonites used the mansion as their headquarters. Later during the war, it became a Union hospital. When the Civil War finally ended, the Fripp family was allowed back into their house. Tidalholm was later almost destroyed during a hurricane in 1893. During the 1930s until the mid 70s, the house was used a guest house for wealthy paying visitors. Finally in 1975, the house once again became a private residence which it remains today.

While known as “The Big Chill House” in 1979 the house was a central part of another movie, The Great Santini. In fact, the director of The Big Chill had so loved the Great Santini house that he was insistent he be allowed to use the same location. Two great movies in the same house? I had no idea! While The Big Chill hasn’t aged all the well, The Great Santini is every bit as good as it was when it was first released. Based on the semi autobiographic book by Pat Conroy, it is the heartbreaking tale of an abusive Marine fighter pilot and how his teenage age (Pat Conroy) coped with living under the shadows of such a man. Both Robert Duvall and Michael O’Keefe were nominated for Oscars. Although I think The Big Chill is an over rated movie – it was also nominated for Oscars – including Best Movie, Best Screenplay and Best Actress (Glenn Close.) Today Tidalholm, where these two movies were filmed, is locked behind tall iron gates that keep out thousands of prying visitors who come just to see a glimpse of famous movie house.

While the same house is used in both films, it is almost impossible to tell this when watching the movies. The grand mansion retains some of its elegance in The Great Santini, but in The Big Chill, the house is filled with bland, Santa Fe inspired color schemes and contemporary furniture. The Big Chill’s set decoration is a travesty. It is beyond bad, which is such a shame because the house is so grand, so beautiful, its sets could have rivaled any Nancy Meyers’ movie. The only decently decorated room in The Big Chill is the white kitchen – a room before it’s time. The kitchen looks like one you might find today – and indeed our Reader used this very one as her inspiration. She loved the white cabinets and rustic pieces mixed in which created a farmhouse look. She wanted to recreate this space where friends and family could congregate around a huge island – just like in The Big Chill. As luck would have it, I found pictures of what the house really looks like when it’s not starring in a movie. So, today, we’ll first look at the house in The Big Chill, then The Great Santini, and then how it now looks.

After that, I’ll show the reader’s kitchen and let you decide if you can see the influence of The Big Chill!! Please note: The images from the two movies were taken directly from the DVDs. The movies have never been updated or rereleased, so the images are quite blurry and in need of digital cleanup. I wish the pictures were crisp and clear – but they aren’t. So, I apologize for that! THE BIG CHILL: Jobeth Williams, Jeff Goldblum, Mary Kay Place, Tom Berenger, William Hurt, Meg Tilly, Kevin Kline, and Glenn Close pose in front of Tidalholm Mansion. Of all these 1980s stars, only Glenn Close remains a big name today. The Big Chill: The beautiful Tidalhom Mansion is seen here – the set decorator had the shutters and doors repainted. They are black in real life, but here they seem a shade of reddish brown. Not sure why they would do that! Today there is an iron rail up the stairs that was either removed for the movie or it hadn’t yet been installed. The wide porches that surround the house are used like extra rooms. There is a wide central hallway that leads from the front door.

On the left is the living room and on the right is the dining room. Past these rooms are the stairs and a small sitting area. This area is used in the movie as a den. To the left of this area is another small sitting room where they all watched TV. The kitchen is at the end of this central hallway. Notice the décor – 80s style contemporary upholstery in Santa Fe pastels. In real life, Tidalholm has gorgeous crystal chandeliers that were all removed for The Big Chill. The wood floor is original to the house. A close up of the small sitting area next to the stairs. Celadon green table and mauve sofa with yellow walls. Yum! The living room. To the left is the front door which has been painted white. In real life there are gorgeous double wood doors leading into the living room and dining room that have been removed for the movie. Now – does this look like a house built in 1853? NO! And I can’t understand why the set decorator (under the advice of the director) chose to modernize this wonderful house in this way? It would have given it so much more character if they would have kept in the charming details.

Again, the furniture is contemporary in soft, muted pinks and grays. Even the walls are pink, which I do like. I like the shades too. Check out that lamp – so 80s! The living room fireplace. The door at the left leads into the small sitting room. Those chairs! I swear, I know people who had furniture exactly like this. I don’t think there is a scene in the movie where they aren’t either smoking pot or smoking a cigarette – all in the house, in the office, at the dinner table, in the kitchen – it’s amazing to see today. Believe it or not – in real life the dining room is stunning. You can’t see the beautiful crown molding, which I am sure is intentional. This room is painted a dark green with brown painted woodwork. Atrocious. Over the short door you can see the center rosette molding piece found throughout Tidalholm. And notice the beautiful base molding and fluted molding around the doorway leading into the dining room. The gorgeous crystal chandelier was removed to put in this contemporary piece and uplit bowl sconces were added. Again, the double doors were removed to make it seem more contemporary.

Check out the custom rug – cream with a matching green border. The table looks like it’s red lacquer – with the green walls. Merry Christmas! The chairs are trimmed in black lacquer. Here you can see the side entrance lobby which leads into the kitchen. Today that room is used as a wet bar. Behind Glenn you can see the original mantel - black marble flecked with gold. Across from the stairhall and next to the small sitting area is the study. This is where they all watched TV and smoked pot. Yes. That’s all they do in this movie – smoke pot!!! So 80s! The wood paneling was left alone. Beautiful lamp. Why can’t all the décor be like this lamp? The kitchen was totally remodeled from the kitchen seen in The Great Santini which was filmed a few years before. Here, you can see the side entrance off the porch that leads into the kitchen. The dining room also leads into this room. In real life this foyer doubles as a wet bar. Louvered doors from this space were removed for the movie. New wood floors were added for The Big Chill. In The Great Santini, there were vinyl tiles instead.

Also, the sink was added under the window. Before, this space under the window was empty. The sink was located in an island that stood in the middle of the room. By removing the sink island – the room is now opened up for the large kitchen table. This is without a doubt the best room in the house in The Big Chill. The glass cabinets and wood countertops give it a rustic country feel. There is a tile backsplash and a large stove hood. The appliances were also replaced, and a new built in refrigerator was added. The walls are a sunny yellow. The table looks like an antique, as do these great chairs. The kitchen is so much more in keeping with the style and age of the house as opposed to the contemporary look found in the other rooms. Some of the best scenes of The Big Chill take place in the kitchen – morning, noon, night and late night – they all gathered in the kitchen to talk and smoke. Here you can see the original fireplace in the kitchen! How great would that be to have a fireplace in the kitchen! And looking the other direction. Against the back wall there is a large collection of hanging brass pots. The Big Chill kitchen inspired our reader to recreate the look and feel of it.

I think she probably relates to all the good times spent here by the group of friends reuniting together after many years spent apart following their college days. On the landing upstairs, there are these beautiful original doors that lead to the upper porch. This décor is also what you would expect in an older home. Aren’t these doors just beautiful? The master bedroom was decorated nicely for the 80s era. The walls are heavily sponged. Nice curtains with matching shades. Master bedroom has a cute tufted headboard. And yes, there are some musical bed partners as you can see! They also spend the weekend using the latest high tech gadget – a video camera. Remember when we all had these monstrosities???? Look how HUGE that thing is. You could get a hernia from holding it. Today if we want to take a video, we use our tiny Iphones! The back door – notice the reddish brown shutters. In the Great Santini, this is the famous basketball court. It looks like the concrete was removed after the Great Santini because today it’s all shell gravel. The second story porch from The Big Chill – so beautiful with all the moss draped oak trees.

The front driveway – you can see the iron gates here. These are still used today – along with a sign that says “Private Residence.” I love the gravel driveway. The dock from the house. This was used in a scene in The Big Chill. THE GREAT SANTINI: The Great Santini – the fictionalized account of Pat Conroy’s teen years spent living with his abusive marine fighter pilot father – played by Robert Duvall. His mother is played by Blythe Danner – a very young Blythe. She was actually only 12 years older than the actor that played her 18 year old son. Blythe is of course the mother of Gwen Paltrow. The Great Santini rents this house for his family. Of course, it’s Tidalholm Mansion. Here the shutters and doors are their usual black. The great front porch – prom night with brother and sister. Though filmed at the end of the 70s, the movie is set in the early 60s. The beautiful stairs and overhead, curved landing. The family is not rich, so the house is never furnished as it should be. All the walls are papered in this movie.

But in real life, the walls are painted. Gorgeous original wood planks. The stairs – in this movie, there is no carpet on the stairs – but in real life and in The Big Chill there are carpet runners on these stairs. Here is a closeup of the damask wallpaper that is in the large central entrance hall and up to the second floor landing. The central hall – and, in the dark is the living room. One of the only scenes in the living room. The room is furnished with a wood framed sofa and the arm chair has a thick quilted fabric on it. No curtains. Again a beautiful room not shown at its best. The first day in the new house. The wife is so happy to be living in this gorgeous house – she can’t believe her husband actually picked it out for her. Here the dining room is seen. Remember how in The Big Chill this was dark green with brown molding? And here, you can just see a little bit of the crown molding. At least there is a crystal chandelier. A quick look at the dining room as furnished. The black fireplace is behind Mrs. Meechum. The kitchen – so different! First notice there is no sink under the window.

The appliances are all different – on the right is the freezer which is not there in The Big Chill. And Blythe is standing at the island sink!! Here you can see the sink island. Her back is to the window. The room is wallpapered – as are most rooms in this movie. Notice the tile floor that was changed for wood planks in The Big Chill. The paneled doors and white porcelain doorknobs remain the same here and in The Big Chill. Another view – the arrangement in The Big Chill, with the center table and sink under the window is so much better. The room is opened up without that sink counter in the middle of it. And notice – no tiled backsplash, no glass cabinets, no wood countertops - all that was added in The Big Chill. How many of you had a wall telephone just like that – with a dial rotary? We did! Upstairs, there is a Victorian styled armoire and an oriental runner. The yellow damask wallpaper runs up through the second floor landing. Here are those beautiful doors/windows to the front upper porch. The black and white wallpapered room is never seen except for this fleeting glimpse. Here the master bedroom is papered in a pretty flower print.

The décor of The Great Santini is much more in keeping with the style of the Tidalholm Mansion. The contemporary furnishing and colors used The Big Chill take away from the charm and elegance of the house. Remember this back entrance from The Big Chill with the shell driveway? Here it is all concrete. Even the brick walk looks brand new. This must have been removed after The Great Santini. This scene is one of the best scenes in the movie where the son beats the father at basketball for the first time. Father is not happy about that!!! Both these two actors were nominated for Oscars. The Great Santini had many scenes that did not take place in the house – so you don’t see nearly as much of the house as you do in the Big Chill. In The Big Chill – almost the entire movie takes place at Tidalholm Mansion. Now, take a look at Tidalholm Mansion as it is in real life. I’m not sure how old these pictures are, but it is so interesting to compare them to the movies! TIDALHOLM MANSION: In the spring – with the azaleas blooming. Or, are those dogwoods?

These pictures are really bad – they were pasted together – but here is the front porch with all black rockers and black shutters and doors. The floor is a gray blue as is the ceiling. Love, love the lantern. The side porch – with its paned window that blocks the wind. A scene from The Big Chill was set here. Looking from the front door to the stairs. Here you can see the dining room to the right. Straight ahead is the small sitting room that was the scene of so much action in The Big Chill. Gorgeous chandelier. Looking from the landing to the entry hall. Finally you can see the gorgeous paneled double doors that open into the dining room with its beautiful crystal chandelier. Across the hall is the living room. Again, this picture is pieced together – but here you can see the black marble mantel with its flecks of gold. Notice the crown molding! Isn’t it amazing! I would give anything to be able to redecorate this house. The ceilings are so tall and elegant. In the corner is an oriental screen. Remember how this room was painted a dark green with brown painted molding in The Big Chill? So awful! This is so much more beautiful and elegant.

The living room – looking towards the front door. Notice again the double wood doors that were removed during The Big Chill. This was the room in The Big Chill with all the pink and gray leather contemporary furniture!!! And looking straight into the living room from the entry hall. Beautiful rug. Notice the rosettes in the window moldings. And on the right side is the fireplace – the same one seen in The Big Chill. Through the door is the sitting room where they watched TV in The Big Chill. In the entry hall – there is a piano and a tall clock. In The Big Chill this was where the mauve furniture was. Oh, if I could only redecorate this house!!!!!! Wouldn’t you love to redecorate this???? The owners should hire Amelia Handegan or Jacquelynne Lanham to redo this house. A look at the beautiful staircase. The side entrance off the dining room that leads into the kitchen. This area is used as a wet bar. The doors were removed during The Big Chill. The remodeled kitchen that was updated before The Big Chill. It’s not known if the owners remodeled the kitchen themselves or if The Big Chill did it for them. I would love to know!

The view of the stove and ovens and the original fireplace. I like the table and chairs from The Big Chill better than these – but these are nice too. The upstairs landing –decorated with a runner and desk and lamp. You can just barely see the crystal chandelier here. Notice there is no wallpaper in this house. Did the set decorators for The Big Chill remove it or did the owner?. OR did The Great Santini wallpaper the house just for the movie and then remove it???? I would love to paint these walls a beautiful soft white. The master bedroom – with its American and English styled furniture. Another bedroom – with an original fireplace – I would love that!! A fireplace in the bedroom. I think this was Ben Meechum’s bedroom in The Great Santini. The view from the second floor porch.

Question: Which 1983 film starring Glen Close, Jeff Goldbloom, Kevin Kline and Tom Berenger was nominated for 3 Oscars, including Best Picture?
Answer: The Big Chill